I watched Pat Robertson being interviewed long ago by a man who travels. The man was telling that he very rarely if ever had trouble with anyone, and always seemed to meet the nicest people while on the road. To which Pat replied, "that's because you are a nice person." And somehow it all made sense. And as I sit here, I can think of the times and places that I travelled, that if a kindness had not been shown me by a local to where I was a stranger, that the time spent would have been different. And also brought up the sad memories of when I was a little less than a stellar traveler. I have found that a smile, and comments on how nice the area is can bring about a return smile, and lead me to places not on any map. It has fed me when I was hungry, and got me to where I was going, eventually after some great detours when meeting nice people along the way.
In 1974 Bill and I rode our bikes to Summer Jam-the Dead, the Band, and the Allman Brothers playing at Watkins Glen. Which turned into a fiasco for the locals, as people literally over ran their property and destroyed it. It was almost out of control for riding, so we left-spending the night along the road sleeping next to our bikes. The next day undeterred, or is it undetoured, we followed US 20 into a little town called Leroy, NY. Which just happened to be celebrating its 300th anniversary. Now how many of you have gotten to do that? We parked our bikes, and unlike the Easy Rider treatment that was still fresh in our minds, and sadly much of America, we had a blast. As the parade came down the street, we were shown into a parking space on the parade route, just in time. No one hassling, but excited that we got parked just in time. Young kids, at least to us seasoned 20 year olds, looked dreamily at our bikes, and asked questions. And the girls, well, we looked dreamily at them. Maybe a mutual admiration society, each desiring what the other had. But the whole town was that way. We ate fresh food, corn on the cob, and ate hot dogs. We drank Cokes, and watched the parade, as the old timers laughed and made comments to the new timers, which someday would be passed on to the next generation. Although we knew no one, and no one knew us-we felt like old friends, and it was hard to leave after the parade. It was just an hour or two in time, but it felt timeless among the celebrants of this friendly town. And in my heart, Leroy will always have a special place. It was Hometown, USA and they made us feel right at home. Long hair, motorcycles and all.
Last Saturday I was reminded again of how God puts people in our path, and us in theirs. We were eating at the Hat in Brea, after going to an old car show. Not much on pastrami, we ate onion rings, BBQ-guess who had that, and a steak sandwich. But we kept watching the chili cheese fries go by, heaped with pastrami and changed my attitude towards pastrami. While waiting my turn for the men's room, I watched as a young couple tried to empty their order, and commented to them that it looked so good that it should be illegal. To which they nodded, mouths full of chili and pastrami. Going back to the table, Theresa and I agreed next time up we would share a platter-this was no wimpy sized order. When looking up this couple walked over to us-and he said "would you like to finish these? There is no way we can-and I saw how you looked at them when we were talking." And you know, in a society where we should have said no, we said yes. And we were blessed, and watching as this young couple was blessed by sharing with us. In Brea, at lunch time, in 2010. Yes, such things still happen today. I don't find anywhere in the Bible where God's blessings have an expiration date. And my mind went back to Leroy, and how there are still nice people left out there today. You may even be one.
And very simply, this is how to witness. In the brief moment we saw the hand of God, blessing both couples. No scripture or tracts were exchanged-no where do you go to church, or even asking about Jesus. God chose to bless us-simple enough. And we got to show kindness-a fruit of the spirit and were shown kindness. Travelers in a new place. It was a loving father seeing His kids happy, and how often we forget that as we go "witnessing." To that couple-I pray continued blessings on you for your kindness-and may you grow in Christ. You reminded me that afternoon that I have many friends I haven't met yet, and offering food to a stranger is a great way to bless. "Witnessing " more and enjoying less? Let the spirit of God shine through you. It is His light not yours. Turn off the high beams, and turn on the smiles. This couple answered a prayer, a desire only God would know, and only He could meet. Let Him use you today-but be ready, for love shows up when you least expect it. Sometimes 3000 calories at a time!
The fruit of the spirit is kindness. Welcome somebody into your life today. Earn the right to share Jesus by sharing like Jesus did. You meet the nicest people when you trust God. And the benefits can't be beat. Think I'll start a chili cheese fries ministry. Any volunteers?
love with compassion,
Mike
